Jaw-dropping cast photos from "The Jungle Book"

Idris Elba (Shere Khan)

If you're not anticipating the release of the live-action remake of "The Jungle Book," based on Rudyard Kipling's classic book, due out in theaters yet these awesome cast photos will do the trick. The classic tale of a boy raised by jungle animals was given the CGI touch by director Jon Favreau and the new film is due out April 2016.

Disney released a series of jaw-dropping portraits of the high-profile Hollywood actors, including Idris Elba and Scarlett Johansson, who are voicing the CGI animals in the upcoming movie.

In this photo, Shere Khan, the villain of the film, who is determined to get rid of Mowgl is seen with Idris Elba.

"Shere Khan reigns with fear," says Elba. "He terrorizes everyone he encounters because he comes from a place of fear."

Credit: Sarah Dunn/Disney

Lupita Nyong'o (Raksha)

Lupita Nyong'o voices Raksha, a mother wolf who keeps a close eye on all of her cubs, including Mowgli. Raksha adopts Mowgli when she finds the abandoned baby in the jungle.

"She is the protector, the eternal mother," says Nyony'o. "The word Raksha actually means protection in Hindi. I felt really connected to that, wanting to protect a son that isn't originally hers but one she's taken for her own."

Credit: Sarah Dunn/Disney

Sir Ben Kingsley (Bagheera)

Bagheera is a sleek panther who feels it's his duty to help the man-cub depart with dignity when it's time for him to leave his jungle home. "Bagheera is Mowgli's adoptive parent," says Ben Kingsley, who lends his voice to Bagheera.

"His role in Mowgli's life is to educate, to protect and to guide. My Bagheera was military-he's probably a colonel. He is instantly recognizable by the way he talks, how he acts and what his ethical code is."

Credit: Sarah Dunn/Disney

Scarlett Johansson (Kaa)

Kaa, voiced by Scarlett Johansson, is the giant python who enchants Mowgli with her voice and eyes.

"Kaa seduces and entraps Mowgli with her storytelling," says Johansson. "She's the mirror into Mowgli's past. The way she moves is very alluring, almost coquettish."

Credit: Sarah Dunn/Disney

Christopher Walken (King Louie)

King Louis is an ape who wants to learn the secret of Man's deadly "red flower" -- fire. He is determined o find out more from Mowgli, who he believes knows the secret.

"King Louie is huge-12 feet tall," says Christopher Walken, who voices the character. "But he's as charming as he is intimidating when he wants to be."

Credit: Sarah Dunn/Disney

Giancarlo Esposito (Akela)

Akela, voiced by Giancarlo Esposito, is the father of Mowgli's adoptive pack. He takes in Mowgli, but is worried about the danger bringing in a human may pose to his family.

"Akela is a fierce patriarch of the wold pack," says Esposito. "He believes the strength of the pack lies in what each and every wolf offers. He's a great leader, a wise teacher."